Can THIS Help Me Earn My PPL? | Real CFI Shares His Thoughts

Can Microsoft Flight Simulator help me earn my Private Pilot's License sooner? It takes a MINIMUM of 40 flight hours to get your private pilot's license, but 65 hours is the national average. If you can trim a few hours off of that, you could save A LOT of money. In this video, I take a close look at Microsoft Flight Simulator to see if this is a legitimate way of saving some time and money in the airplane!
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[@OldCarsAreFun]

Before I booked a first flight in a 172, I had some flight time in Msfs2020, the instructor said I flew good, he took off, I flew and landed the airplane with his instructions. He told me his some of his students had more trouble following his instructions. I guess the simulator trains your eyes, checking outside and the gauges. For me the simulator compared to the real 172 is surprisingly realistic.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes, I was blown away when I had students come to me with a little simulator experience. It’s crazy how much it helps

[@chuckfinley4757]

You flew *well.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@chuckfinley4757 thanks!

[@byronrogers4489]

​​@@chuckfinley4757 were you his instructor? How.do you know what the instructor said?

[@chuckfinley4757]

@@byronrogers4489 Yes.

[@crazy4gta1]

I used flight sims for years before I went for my PPL. It definitely helped as you know the basics and more going into your training. In fact after the first lesson, my instructor says to me” yeah you need to be a pilot”

[@FreePilotTraining]

Lol. It’s crazy how big of a difference it makes!

[@JPROP-vb7sv]

I have over 2000 hours in the F16 in DCS... Saying that out load makes me rethink my life a little. I highly recommend your buddy adds a VR to his sim. Once you try it you can't go back.

[@zackbowe1466]

What setup did you use ?

[@KyleCowden]

When my daughter started flying, the instructor was a fan of simulation. She'd tell us from week to week what the plan was for the upcoming lesson and we'd go home and fly the mission. My daughter was 12 and flying complete lessons without the instructor's touching the controls at all after a couple of hours. Her comment was, "Daddy, this is so much harder than the real thing."

[@FreePilotTraining]

Lol. That’s funny. It is harder in my opinion

[@stuartmattingly9681]

Thanks for the content! I had about 20 hours of sim time before my first lesson... I did well with straight and level flight, turns, as well as stalls. My CFI was impressed with my knowledge of the cockpit and my use of the throttle. When I got to take off and landings, I was ahead of other students that started at the same time. From a students perspective, a few things to watch out for: The honeycomb yoke has a spring that sends the yoke back to neutral... this can be confusing. If anything, when taking off especially, it is good to know if your yoke is fully forward because of the elevator gravity. The real feel of the rudder pedals can also be quite different. Right rudder tendency in MSFS 2020 could be a little more powerful. Be wary of the "Easy" setting. After you get used to the system, turn off automatic rudder. Good to learn with, but step it up and start using wind and even real time weather on the sim. For pattern work, pay attention to your training airfield's altitude. I practiced on the sim at 1000 and my field uses 800 feet. Had to adapt in real life. Be ready for instrument flying! I am sure most will have some Nausea, but it does get better.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! This is great feedback! Thanks you so much for the comment!

[@airman.]

i recently passed my private pilot checkride and i just wanted to say that your videos were a huge help. thank you ✈️🙏🏾

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! Congrats! So glad I could be a part of your journey

[@byronrogers4489]

Congratulations!

[@airman.]

@@byronrogers4489 thank you 😊

[@karliclements3261]

Really enjoy your content and your teaching style has been super helpful as I work towards my PPL and hopefully commercial! Could you do a video on flight instruments? I've watched a couple other folks' and its just not the same:D Thanks!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you so much! I’m hoping to start getting into instruments really soon. I’ve got a few more PPL videos I need to finish up before I start that series

[@martygenska8117]

Great video guys! From my experience, simulators are great for cockpit familiarization, especially learning how controls works and the effect they have on each other, but nothing replaces sitting in that left seat. Early on I used MSFS 2020 to practice cross country flying which was very helpful, but now I'm pretty much using XPlane 12. I will also point out that just not any PC will run a simulator like MSFS 2020 or XPlane, these programs need a fair amount of power. Once I received my PPL, I tended to use the simulator for my IFR training. Pilot Edge, which you mentioned, is also a great way to practice ATC. One feature I liked about PE is their CAT (VFR) and IFR Ratings. The VFR ratings take you all the way from radio calls at a non-towered airport to flying in Class Bravo. PE is not free, as you mentioned, it's $19.95 monthly or $34.90 for both coverage areas.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you so much for the comment! You’re absolutely right! Nothing replaces being in the seat, but these things are definitely a great way to increase those skills!

[@RPSchonherr]

Take it from someone who did it. YES! I took my instructor's lessons to FS and ran them over and over and over again (mostly landings). I was able to get my license in the minimum actual flight time because I was spot on with all the requirements.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s so awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@ladyhawk7408]

there are a number of what is called study level addons for MSFS and XP-11\12. there are performance and feature add ons for a lot of these planes. to bring them closer to thier real life counter parts. In my opinion and as a pilot. IFR and TWIN certified. the basic MSFS is a little to gamey to "teach you " how to fly. but some of the study level planes can really get you in the ball park.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks for the comment! That’s great to know!

[@VroodenTheGreat]

It's VERY good at teaching you the procedures, even without any addons.

[@themaverickproject4577]

I have X-Plane 12 with VR goggles, that puts me RIGHT in the plane. also have yoke, peddles, throttle, prop and mixture controls. Also trim and flap. All look like the real thing. The investment in this was worth it. As a pilot, when I can't fly, I use this system to keep proficient. It really does help a lot. I'd recommend it to anyone who is learning or anyone who is already a pilot, not matter how many hours they have logged.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’m already trying to figure out exactly what I want lol

[@rapinncapin123]

​@@FreePilotTraining are these on Xbox or something?

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@rapinncapin123 you can use an Xbox or a PC

[@rapinncapin123]

@@FreePilotTraining thanks a million, I need the 1 with all the gauges

[@redfoxtactical8425]

Flying Sim a lot, one small upgrade I consider extremely important is the TrackIR. You'll be in about 200 dollars for the nice IR head mount, and it's an absolute game changer.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks for the heads up! I’ll look into that

[@captainkhan2352]

Thanks for sharing, great informative flight ✈️ simulator video. Thanks for your great effort to help us learn better each and every day...!!

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@zachlogan1054]

Love it! I’ve been wondering about the flight controls comparison and flight modeling “feel”. Obviously without full motion there are limitations. Would love to see you revisit this with one of the Cubs since getting your tail wheel endorsement.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I need to do that!

[@AFO3310]

I'm a CFI myself and I use MSFS and Xplane to practice my procedures, flows and just to have fun! I've been playing flight simulator since I was a kid in the mid to late 90s up until today. Absolutely helped me get my PPL. Got my cert in 43 hours and gotta say it's thanks to my experience flight simming.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s pretty cool! I’m thinking about creating a series that’s made to augment PPL training

[@jeffreysmith6910]

43 is fast.

[@mattalford3932]

It's good for training. Especially visual approaches. I land at my local airport and use my house, and daughter's apartment complex as visual points lol.

[@user-sc7cj5yu1s]

Really Thanks for you great videos. And he even answered me some my private questions on Facebook! It took me some time to find a video which I can tip, LOL

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you so much! This means a ton! I’m so glad I could help!

[@lanslyd]

I worked Sheet Metal at The Rock from 03-07. Thanks for the content!

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s awesome! It’s a small world

[@derickvo317]

I’ve used simulators my whole life and only recently have started working towards my PPL but I still use MSFS. The other day, I used it to practice forward slips and when I got in the plane my instructor didn’t even need to demonstrate it for me and I nailed it first try. It definitely helps a lot with knowing the basics.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That alone probably saved you 20 minutes of instruction and airplane rental

[@FreePilotTraining]

That alone probably saved you 20 minutes of instruction and airplane rental

[@gamerfultzy5736]

I love to fly the C172 in MSFS. I use VR to get the immersion going. If you wanted to add more realism to your sim, I use the VATSIM network. It allows for that interaction between ATC and the Pilots. I am hoping to go for my PPL this year.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks for sharing! Im going to have to look into Vatsim more!

[@Goldrush1988]

I have the Logitech Yoke system with the Rudder pedals. Its pretty awesome on MFS. I plan to start my PPL training soon and Im hoping my hundreds of hours of MFS helps out.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Nice! I’ll have to check that out! I guarantee that your sim time will pay dividends

[@johnpatrick1588]

If used properly so no bad habits or incorrect procedures are taught should be beneficial. Forty years ago I had to use Cockpit Procedures Trainers(CPT's) for flight engineer training and a CPT for FO training before going into the full flight sim. The CPT were static boards with labels, dials, gauges, switches, and lights to teach procedures and flows.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yeah, and with Virtual reality, those things can be so realistic

[@Bilbo1968]

I live in Cabot - I am sooo looking forward to the air show this year at Jacksonville

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! Hopefully I can be around for that. If I am, come find me.

[@jaimeastin]

I have the complete turtle Beach set up to my xbox. And I am about to start flying over at North Little Rock Air as well. I think the simulator is helping out so far at least getting used to the plane. I did my Discovery flight over at Central and now I'm going to try North little rock..... Then I might see about the saline aviation club. . Hope to see you around, I saw your sticker over at North Little Rock are a couple of days ago. But until the weather gets good I'm just going to continue working with the turtle Beach complete setup. I'm going to do a review for the whole setup pretty soon.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! I got my CFI over at Central. Unfortunately, I moved to Alaska a few months ago. Maybe I’ll be back to visit at some point

[@christianlogsdon6483]

Thanks for this. About 13 hours into my ppl and have been considering setting up a sim for the 172. I’m a dad with a full time job and live in Ohio. Pretty much limited to flying the weekends with the daylight this time of year and weather cancels me most of the time. I really feel like this could significantly help me practice between actual lessons.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! I think it could help significantly. I’m considering creating an augmented PPL course for the sim

[@christianlogsdon6483]

@@FreePilotTraining that would be awesome!

[@TacticalSnoop]

Great vid! Shout out from fort smith!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks! Awesome airfield! Love the TRSA!

[@skydriver5709]

Not only Microsoft Flight Simulator, but using VATSIM as well is exceptionally informative. VATSIM not only provides ATC service while flying in the simulator, but their website also supplies full pilot training courses and covers pretty much EVERYTHING a person would learn in a classroom environment with an instructor. It's created by pilots and pilot instructors, and it's FREE. Everything from airplane part and airspace identification to IFR and VFR training. It's not FAA certified, but it's the same FAA information you'll learn in flight school, and you can literally walk into flight school knowing just about everything. This is how people can walk into flight school and get their certificate in the minimum 40 hour requirement. Know it before you even walk in the door.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Exactly! The national average is 65 hours before you earn your wings. If you can chip that down by even 10 hours, it’s worth it!

[@NYfirefighter235]

I use a similar set up but use the sim in VR which makes it’s more Realistic. It great for turns on a point and step turns as well. A must try.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s cool! I’d like to get into the VR stuff

[@davegrundgeiger9063]

After I tried VR, I never flew again on a flat screen. Not once. It's like it's not even the same activity.

[@VetOnFire]

VR with yoke and pedals hands down best thing you can possibly invest in to help with anything from PPL to instrument training

[@FreePilotTraining]

Everyone’s been telling me that. It must be really good

[@patriceschrama2625]

Thank you for this demo. I’m a student pilot training in a 172. Only had 9 lessons so far. My husband and I are getting ready to buy a sim. I think it’s going to be a great tool to augment my lessons. Hoping it helps me practice what I learn after my lesson and prepare for the next. I wonder how the rudder pedals feel compared to the real plane. I struggle with taxiing.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Yeah, it will definitely help. Some of the stuff will come more naturally with a few lessons. I think everyone struggles with taxiing at first because it’s not natural to steer with your feet. Something I’ve seen my friend do for his students is to have them sit on their hands the first couple lessons

[@fuzzyboi1721]

I love using this to immediately be able to practice what I have studied.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Very true!

[@shadowdarkfall]

There are also free mods that give it a slightly better flight dynamics for it. Great video !

[@FreePilotTraining]

That is great to know! Thank you!

[@AM.Boxing]

Could you name them or tell me where to find these mods

[@davidneraas750]

Lately we have gotten a lot of study level ga planes the first coming to mind is the a2a piper commanche it has insane level of system depth , then there is The tmb 850, and the just flight piper 28 warrior , arrow and turbo arrow. Sure you can fly as arcade as you want or you can fly as hard-core as you want. The best GA study level right now is the A2A commanche.

[@robertcarter7245]

I tried tried to use Microsoft Flight Sim early on in my primary training, not knowing much about Sims I just used all the default settings which were way more sensitive than the actual plane so back in the closet it went... after a few months I set it back up and spent several hours tweaking all the controls until it was very close to the way the 172 I was flying felt. It was really good for working with VORs and listening for my tail number (which I changed to match the real plane). Once I started my Instrument training I used it a lot for approaches and practicing my scan, by then I was pretty familiar with the settings and would set up different scenarios for the weather...I really liked it for IFR work and still break it out once in a while just to shoot approaches or track a VOR sometimes even lost procedures

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yeah, it seems like it’d be super handy for IFR practice

[@user-hp7db3oh5e]

Just enlisted Air National Guard over at Little Rock. Gonna be working as a crew chief till I get my degree. Hopefully, I'll be flying Hercs with you guys in the future.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! I was enlisted for 10 years before I made the switch!

[@RomansFiveDotEight]

VR is incredible in sims for PPL training. It helps develop the traffic scanning habits, it effectively teaches you to fly using the horizon and keep your eyes out of the cockpit. You can effectively do maneuvers like turns around a point, etc. in a VR sim rig in ways that translate into real-world flying.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes it is! I’m looking at getting my own setup very soon

[@RomansFiveDotEight]

@@FreePilotTraining one thing to add: Check out PilotEdge! It has a monthly cost, but it’s real air traffic control for the sim. Actual trained controllers in a sim environment. Excellent for training around airspace awareness, radio comms, task management, etc.

[@djccruz1]

Thank you for the content. Very informative. I’m in the process of building my home sim. I’m curious about the monitor you are using. Which monitor are you using ?

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’m not sure what he has. I think it’s just a TV

[@tharapita1]

I just passed my PPL checkride last week after 44hrs and four weeks (plus about 30 simulator ones before starting training) at a super busy training airport with 10+ planes in the pattern all the time. I chose to buy a Xbox Series S and the Thrustmaster joystick - didn't want to go to the rabbit hole of building a gaming computer. It was plug and play. One of the early things to master is looking at multiple gauges at once to control airspeed/pitch/power etc and the inbuilt trainings in xbox are great for that. They are also great for getting to tighter tolerances with the training and ensuring you get a high score on each training - landings, cross-country, flying patterns etc. Nice step-by-step building of skills.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I like the idea of the simplicity of the Xbox, but I want to do some screen recording for some content on this channel, so I’m thinking the PC might be my best option. Unfortunately, I have zero experience with that stuff. I prefer Mac

[@crazy4gta1]

Just out of curiosity, is your airport KFRG?

[@tharapita1]

@@crazy4gta1 khwo

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@crazy4gta1 In this video, we flew out of KORK. I work out of there a lot.

[@crazy4gta1]

@@FreePilotTraining I was talking to the op. He said an airport with 10+ planes in the pattern so I immediately thought of my airport

[@gvrose1]

When a person flys in Virtual Reality you get much more feed back from the control surfaces. Also the plane has to be configured in the software prior to a test flight. For example you adjust the sensitivity and response for each controller. Here is a hint. Just before you power up, use full input on the rudder controls three times. This seems to calibrate the voltage inputs from the rudder controller. Takeoff will be much better.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Great tips! Thank you so much

[@nateice1]

Can we get a top 10 things to practice in MSFS from a CFI video? Walk us through some things to practice.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That is an excellent idea. I don’t know when I’ll have a chance to do it, but I’ll write that down and come up with those for the next time I have access to the sim!

[@88drones62]

I’m not a pilot ( I’ve always wanted to be ) but I’ve been building Aircraft and now I’m a test technician and I know that MS flight simulator is definitely a good place to start learning different things in aviation.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes. It’s definitely a good start!

[@seattime4075]

Purchasing/building a set of good quality rudder pedals make a huge difference. Motion also helps allot in feeling what the aircraft is doing.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That is a fact

[@mrmisterno1]

True that. Bought the Thrustmaster TPR rudders recently and even if they're expensive they are so worth it. A pleasure to use.

[@sampletaster5093]

A great review

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you!

[@AaronKern]

My daughter's won't start formal in aircraft training until they are ready and 16 years of age. I did purchase the King Cessna Pilot Center Course and built out an elaborate simulator to expose them to the practical science and procedures of flight in a productive and logical sequence. This has been fun and rewarding family time.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s super cool. Yeah, it’s something that’s relatively cheap to get the process going

[@claudiufarcas]

coupled with VR it helped me a lot in becoming a PPL pilot, but it will never replace the real experience. I still use VR to repeat procedures or to familiarise with certain airports. Me personally, I will always preffer the real experience.

[@mrmisterno1]

Not me. Being able to pick whichever plane you want and fly it wherever you want in all types of scenarios and airspaces without having to do boring pre-flight stuff and pay a small fortune for just flying over flat terrain around your hometown where you know the airspace inside out just to get your necessary hours is more appealing to me.

[@shawnnance3670]

VR is so much better. The responsiveness of the controls is 100% adjustable. It takes playing around to get them accurate. The type of controls makes a big difference. The redbird control yoke and rudder pedals are amazingly accurate. Dont forget the most recent update has some specific training tasks in the training section. You're guided through each exercise, for example, using power only on approach to control rate of descent. Basic flight maneuvers are each individually explained, demonstrated, and taught. Its a game format that assigns a score for how well you stay within parameters such as glideslope ect....

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’d like to try it with VR

[@ZINDJGABECORDERO]

This what I use, microsoft flight simulator but my controllers are a stick and throttle that is used for figther planes and airbus. I don't have the pedals. I just adjust the sensitivity controls and like what I commented on your free training videos, i am still practicing the landing approaches..thank you for trying this simulator

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! You’re welcome! You definitely have to work with what you have! I bet your setup is going to help you a ton.

[@ZINDJGABECORDERO]

@@FreePilotTraining thano you for the support and for posting these tutorial videos

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@ZINDJGABECORDERO you’re welcome!

[@mathioh]

When i went on my first flight in a real cessna 152 my instructor said that the way I controlled the plane and speed and heading was so good. Also how my eyes are trained with the instrument flying and also looking outside and for traffic seemed more natural without him having to tell me to do these things and that’s why to this day I use my simulator whenever I get the chance. I have 1000s of hours on sims which actually is so much more helpful then people think it is.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I totally agree. I’m sure it’s taking a little bit to get used to the controls, but I think you adjust quickly to those things

[@user-sc7cj5yu1s]

Thanks!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you so much!

[@MrCecil90]

As far as actual flying goes. There is no substitute for the real thing. However. Procedurally, having even a really basic sim set-up can be super amazing. I definitely used mine a lot just to rehash things I'd done in lessons. And now with the accuracy of terrain in mfs20, xplane 12, even practising basic navigation can be done :)

[@FreePilotTraining]

So true! Thanks for the comment

[@BK-it6te]

good review it’s for someone that doesn’t have an idea how to fly then it’s good to learn the basics, but not for me unless you find a real simulator which can cost half a million then it works

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks! That’s so true

[@LauraSheets3712]

I've been loving your videos! I'm trying to decide whether to by an Xplane system from a friend but I'm worried about the bad habits a few people mentioned. I have no training other than KZbin videos and reading. The one time I tried the sim I really had trouble remembering to use my feet. Money is going to be tight for ppl training so I really want to spend wisely. Would you use it ahead of time if you were going for some real training in a month?

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you! I would 100% use it before and during your training. It’s going to be slightly different than the plane, but from the students I’ve seen with simulator experience, it helps a lot! Get in that sim and practice every chance you get, and you’ll see a huge difference

[@LauraSheets3712]

@@FreePilotTraining Thanks so much for the quick reply!

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@LauraSheets3712 no problem! Good luck on that training!

[@renatopiereck8549]

I had over 600 flight hours on Microsoft Flight Simulator before I had real flight instruction. The instructor pilot was surprised at how well I flew, and to me it was all very easy. The hardest part was actually stopping the aircraft once I landed, as on the simulator I was using one brake button for both wheels, while on the real aircraft I had to modulate between left and right foot. That was really the hardest part of my first few hours, and my instructor fixed that by having me taxi up and down the taxiway speeding up and slowing down.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s pretty cool. I can tell a huge difference in my students that fly simulators first. It makes a huge difference

[@jessesimpson7912]

I have an X-plane 11 simulator with a full complement of Saitek equipment, additional RealSimGear GNS 530, and a 3-monitor wrap-around set-up. There are some issues with sensitivity and stability that I haven't entirely worked out, but I am pretty proud of the system that I've rigged up. The main disappointment I have is that whenever I try to practice stalls, the stall only has an aural warning, no buffeting, and immediately goes into a spin which uncages the attitude indicator.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’ve been curious about xplane. I’m about done setting up my MSFS set up now

[@haxi52]

Be sure to check out the assistance options. By default, auto rudder and stall prevention are enabled.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s good to know. Thanks!

[@JKPilot]

That throttle quadrant actually comes with all the various levers…etc, to fly either single and twin GA, commercial, and airline…I’m surprised they didn’t demonstrate that.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I didn’t know that. I wish he would’ve told me. I ended up buying the one from turtle beach for myself

[@JoshKoch]

Would love to see you do one of these with Xplane using the Airfoil Labs Cesna 172 or the Simcoders REP 172. I think some of your complaints would be addressed in those flight models.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’d like to try Xplane. I’ve heard good things

[@HornetChronicles]

cool, thx!

[@FreePilotTraining]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@mikaellachiriboga2223]

Remember the sensitivity of the controls can be set so the sensitive be less. As a student training on a C150 compared to the C152 in the simulator I found it very accurate. Obviously you don't have the sensation of movement. What is true is that coordination in turns is not very real, especially if you want to make a side slip.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Great to know. Thanks!

[@Ahababdelwahab11]

I am a big believer of using MS simulator in conjunction with your flight training, in a training aircraft, students perception can be narrowed by stress. If this tool is used properly properly, it will shorten your learning curve, repeats will be minimized, build confidence, invaluable tool for your instrument rating and beyond, highly recommend it, I'm ATP 5000 hrs, flying Airbus 320/321, enjoy your training and journey.

[@FreePilotTraining]

So true! Thanks for the input!

[@daveshangar6820]

Flight Training devices are what I like to call them because they don't truly simulate flight. But they are great for learning procedures. I have one myself. What you can't learn how to do with them is get a feel for coordinated flight in your seat. You can also do instrument flying with them along with SIDS and STARS, but you can't feel what's going on like in a real airplane in whiteout conditions. I think when it comes to beginning instrument training, the airplane is a poor classroom because of the nature of having lost your references. Personally, I think it's a great idea to learn instrument procedures and then apply them to real-world conditions, which can only be experienced in a real airplane with hood time. You can log a certain amount of sim time when earning your instrument rating. This has to be supervised by a CFI. When I started on a flight Sim back in 2003 I didn't realize how important it was in Private Pilot training to look out your windows and take your eyes off of the instruments. My first instructor told me if I didn't stop looking at the instruments he was going to cover them up. I guess you can learn some bad habits with a flight Sim too. Unlike having one large monitor up in the front, I have two monitors in the front and one on each side. This helped me to keep an eye on things on both sides of me and in the front. Having a monitor on both sides is priceless when it comes to setting yourself up for final in the traffic pattern.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Excellent points! Thank you so much for the comment

[@davidwright9092]

In the simulator it’s impossible to bounce the airplane on landing which is very very unrealistic but the rest of it, minus what other things you said here, is very helpful

[@FreePilotTraining]

I noticed that. It feels weird

[@paulwblair]

You can bounce a landing in X-plane. Ask me how I know. :P

[@dwighttaylor5107]

Thanks 😊😊😊😊😊

[@FreePilotTraining]

No problem!

[@blindsight_music_]

Base msfs is great, but if you want proper realism, there’s a few outstanding addons which you can buy, which simulate aircraft systems and flight models to a so-called “study level” standard. They exist from your PA28s all the way to B737s and A320 (in the future, 777s and the like). For example, the Fenix A320 has systems simulated so deep that 100s of things can fail individually, and everything up to the wiring is replicated. Then, if you want radio simulation, you can join a network like VATSIM, in which you interact with trained ATC and hundreds of other pilots following real world procedures as accurately as possible. So if you want to be diehard, there’s no limit

[@FreePilotTraining]

I didn’t know about that. Thanks for the heads up!

[@TheHiddenTrueSecrets]

vr buddy, get yourself the new pimax crystal and a dof reality motion rig and you will feel like you’re flying in real life, pretty awesome experience.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’d love to snag one of those

[@justjon907]

Turtle Beach's yoke is pretty cool.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’ll have to check it out!

[@aviatortrucker6285]

For all my flight training, I use X-Plane 11 and I have a honeycomb yoke, throttle quadrant and rudder pedals. Version 12 has come out, but there are bugs in it right now. I find Microsoft flight simulator more like a toy. Most aircraft don’t have many systems working properly. With the X-Plane platform I am able to program either the G 1000 version of the Cessna 172 or the Garmin 530/430 combo with steam gauges 172. I can fly real flights, and it is more like a real airplane. If you’re into the beautiful arcade graphics, then stick with Microsoft flight simulator. I am keeping up with my instrument rating and I am in the clouds so I really don’t care what the scenery looks like. X-Plane is about $60. Unfortunately, it is very limited to certain aircraft unless you buy third party add on. So if you’re up to flying 747s, Learjet’s, TBM-930 and other different aircraft, including military, then you might want to play with Microsoft flight simulator. My goal is to keep current on procedures at practice for my IPC.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks for the tips! I’ll take a closer look at X-Plane. I’ve heard some great stuff about it, but I was so impressed by MSFS, that im pretty serious about getting more into it

[@majoraviatior1611]

Msfs is not gamey anymore. I’ve chosen to invest in xplane and I’m honestly regretting it. For me the the flight model is 1% better and 50% worse graphics. It doesn’t make it up for me.

[@Ham-Lee]

Hey! You should really try a sim flight on VATSIM. I would love to see your thoughts.

[@FreePilotTraining]

At some point, I’d like to do that.

[@barnold62]

You would love it in VR! I can't fly it with a monitor anymore.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’d love to try it!

[@CommentsAllowed]

How is the VR when using the controls? Sounds like you would need to do everything by feel. Do they make any sensors that track your head movement so you can have it look around a little when you turn your head side to side?

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yeah, you do. That’s the only weird part

[@JKPilot]

I have the Honeycomb setup at home, and yes, the downside of the VR experience is the need to ‘feel’ for your controls…etc, but the immersion is fantastic. I’m going to add a Tobii Eye Tracker 5 to my setup for use when not in VR.

[@CommentsAllowed]

@@JKPilot This is great to know. How do you plan to utilize the eye tracking system?

[@JKPilot]

@@CommentsAllowed I hope to use with either a large curved screen, or three flat screens, both of which I believe are supported….budget permitting of course. The VR is so immersive, but obviously it gets difficult when needing to write clearances…etc, and the Tobii system will be more suited to that type of flying.

[@user-pj4ow2vi7y]

I am sure you can adjust sensitivity so controls are a little more stiff or resistant to mimic a little closer to the real thing?

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes, you can. I plan on adjusting mine until it’s perfect

[@Simbi88]

For pilot training I would definitely recommend X-Plane. It is a far better flight simulator allthough it doesn't look nearly as good as MSFS. From real life experience of flying the C172 i can say with certainty that X-Plane has a far more realistic flight model. I also recommend Vatsim very highly. It isn't always perfect but the controllers are on average very professional and you can usually find somewhere to fly with good atc coverage.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you! I’m going to have to give VATSIM a try

[@cybhunter007]

As a curiosity, does Kyle have the premium version of MSFS 2020 installed (the premium version has the steam gauge skyhawk) ? On the forums, there's been a debate about the power-on stall characteristics of the steam gauge skyhawk. In real life, as long as coordination is maintained, a clean break stall should occur. I've been noticing that even using the Lindbergh reference, the sim will always drop a wing/ start a spin, forcing a PARE. I've gotten to the point I don't use MSFS 2020 for that maneuver (rather resorting to using the Redbird sim at the flight school) Thoughts?

[@FreePilotTraining]

I think he has the step above basic because he doesn’t have the 172 with the steam gauges, but he has a few more planes than I have.

[@attila7070]

wow, thats amazing!

[@PeaceBeUponYou1]

I also like the Microsoft simulation, it helped me a lot in my early years. Question: why is the earth plane, horizontal always level and the plane do not follow any curvature? the plane flys streat in many simulations, never nose down or up to compensate.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’m not sure I understand the question

[@justech]

Is that a Quest 2 VR headset in the background? Connect it to the PC with a link cable and then hit Ctrl-Tab while in the sim to enter VR mode. Hit spacebar to recenter in the pilot seat, and prepare to have your mind blown.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I believe so. I’d like to get a VR set. I just thought it’d make for a better video to use the monitor

[@justech]

@@FreePilotTraining it definitely makes for a better video unless you've got a way to show both the in-sim footage and the pilot wearing the VR goggles at the same time.

[@kendalstewart5308]

For example learning VOR navigation in Microsoft flight simulator 2020 saves a whole lot more money than trying to learn it while you’re paying for a plane and the instructor in the air.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Great point! That’s how I learned VORs is by practicing on the simulator

[@jamesdowns3219]

I got everything for 80 Not top of the line, but yoke, pedals, and throttle

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s awesome! What a great deal!

[@RV6Pilot]

I have yet to find a yoke that works properly in pitch. I tend to stick to control stick airplanes to work around that. A Cirrus, for example. My real plane has a stick too, so that’s another reason I avoid yokes.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yeah, my understanding is that you can get pretty close by adjusting the sensitivity

[@sumitupreads]

Can you recommend a pre built computer in the market that meets the required parameters?

[@FreePilotTraining]

I hope to make a video on that at some point

[@aventuresijocs9362]

Hi, I have some questions. Where can I find a free Diamond DA40, Cessna 152 or Cessna 172G1000 checklist? Its because I want to start my PPL. And, do you have a video talking about traffic patterns? I want to recreate the traffic pattern in MSFS2020.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’m really sorry. I don’t know how I missed this comment. You can Google search checklists for them and create your own using what you find online and the POH and customizing in excel

[@skyeshepherd6341]

Me and my 170hr student pilot logged hours and 5yr commitment. 🙃

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’ll get there!

[@heidiporter148]

I was wondering if the simulation was a good investment. Thanks for the Amazon links too. Does atc practice with work the simulator?

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! The two websites we mentioned are great for practicing the radios.

[@brandonroberts8008]

Native ATC in the sim is horrendous. There's a live ATC product where real people act as controllers in the multiplayer, that's your best bet if you just have to talk to someone. I just mute voices and simulate ATC comms. Almost done with my instrument rating and IFR flying in this sim is unusable for ATC practice. VFR only marginally better.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@brandonroberts8008 yeah. She tried to give me a left base when it really should have been a right base lol.

[@brandonroberts8008]

@@FreePilotTraining that’s nothing. I was at an IAF on an rnav into Waco at 3000 inbound and atc decided to tell me to climb and maintain FL280. Just buggy. Lol

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@brandonroberts8008 😂that’s hilarious

[@MrSauce-rw8qr]

You should review pilotedge

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’d like to

[@mofftucker9658]

If I had a decent PC I would definitely use flight Sim for at home practice. As it stands, I have to choose to spend that money on flying actual planes for training instead 😅 Perhaps one day..

[@FreePilotTraining]

Lol, that’s where I’m at, but I’m starting to see some value so I’m really thinking about pulling the trigger

[@claudiufarcas]

what most of yokes and sticks for flight simulators miss is a force feedback mechanics adjusted to perform like in real cases.

[@riadyrk27]

so Can we use Multiplayer platform like Vatsim / IVAO if I install MSFS With XBOX Gamepass ? Can you Explain it for me ?

[@FreePilotTraining]

I don’t know that much about it myself. Hopefully someone else can answer this question for you

[@kenlu993]

I agreed with this is definitely helping for the flight training. However, absolutely not at all. especially, flight knowledge has to work on self-study.

[@tarcisdeoliveira5966]

Flight Simulator is really cool and stuff, with lots of planes and really impressive graphics, but when it comes to flight dynamics I stil prefer FlightGear, despite the fact that it has few well developed/complete planes and also still has bad scenery graphics, the best planes in FlightGear (like Piper Cub, C172p, Senneca II, Aerostar, Citation X) seem to behave in more realistic ways both in the ground and in the air.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’ll have to look into that. Thanks!

[@bradhuff298]

Could we get a list of specific computer specs, control specs and monitor specs

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’d actually like to make a video on that. It’s probably going to be a while though. Im on a long trip with the AF

[@bradhuff298]

@@FreePilotTraining Thanks. REALLY enjoy you videos!!! A huge help!

[@brandonroberts8008]

Controls don't "mush" at low speeds. Rudder on the ground waaaaay too touchy. I want to think it's a simple algorithm to bring down sensitivity of the input devices proportional to speed. Been writing into Asobo for over a year to bring that to their attention. They claim the flight model was built using real world pilot input, but maybe they didn't control it on the ground, only in the air? Wonder if they'll ever fix that.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes. That is definitely the biggest problem with it. I hope they do fix it. That would be nice

[@Lazengogh]

The Honeycomb yoke is very short on elevator travel, so it requires curves to get realistic elevator throw for "everyday flying" but then the extremitites are clumsy and oversensitive. Or you could buy something like boeing TCA from TM that has twice the travel, or something really highend like the Fulcrum yoke. The base sim is what it is, but it gets better all the time and 3rd party addons do add to realism even more. TrackIR or VR keeps your head moving in the cockpit, buttons are not for that, works for IFR tho. I think sims are great for so many things, but also, probably very easy to learn bad habits too! Also they need a little bit of "hobbyism" to get them right, to make the game->simulator transition.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s good to know! Thanks for the comment!

[@jr800w]

I find that it helps with procedural training. But not really situational awareness because actually seeing and feeling the atmosphere through the controls in real life cannot be replicated. For example, on final approach the sim cannot replicate wind shear like real life.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Very true. Thanks for the comment!

[@ZINDJGABECORDERO]

His throttle, yoke are better than mine

[@rennyzero420]

Appears on Par

[@mike198383]

he should have used the model of plane that has just the steam gauges vs the G1000's to get the real think you would use.

[@FreePilotTraining]

He apparently doesn’t have the analog cockpit on his Cessna 172 on his software

[@MrMike198383]

@@FreePilotTraining interesting as I thought that was free addon or I purchased the mid tier package which maybe that's why I have it. If you want to talk more sim stuff I use it a lot and also use it to pre fly my cross country and use sat image to create familiarity for real flight. Even use vor's during the sim flight to practice setting up avionics.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@MrMike198383 I know there’s a Cessna 150 or 152 in there with an analog cockpit, but I haven’t noticed a 172

[@nuclearrabbit1]

Can you log any of this as instrument instruction time?

[@FreePilotTraining]

You can not. I wish you could, but it needs to be an approved ATD or FTD device

[@brandonroberts8008]

@@FreePilotTraining I think Redfird makes the least expensive BATD, and it's up there around $5000. But the hardware is more realistic with push/pull vernier style throttle/prop/mixture controls and yoke feel. Honeycomb is hands down the best in my eyes for realism and economy.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@brandonroberts8008 yeah. I used a red bird a long time ago and the sensitivity was set way too high. I didn’t like it. I like the honeycomb setup, but I actually bought the turtle beach set. So far, it seems pretty great

[@ninerout399]

$850 for complete setup to go with Xbox series x or computer. And that’s with a stand. Look at Turtle beach hardware.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I actually bought the turtle beach yoke and throttle setup! It seems legit

[@the-bu3lb]

What is that controller On top of the yoke

[@FreePilotTraining]

I believe it’s just an additional throttle quadrant that he has set up to look around the cockpit

[@the-bu3lb]

@@FreePilotTraining any link for that or the brand name I can see it being very functional.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@the-bu3lb I’ll have to ask my friend. I’m not sure what it is

[@BK-it6te]

No one realising when we fly in real time there is a stress factor that reduces our ability specially for low time students it plays a big role

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s an excellent point. I’ve noticed that too. You kinda have to learn to ignore that stress and just focus on doing the best job you can.

[@jason-the-great52]

Pilots are so much more positive the boat captains. You could give a boat person a perfect sim and they would still call it crap.

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂 that cracks me up. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever met a boat captain though

[@jason-the-great52]

@@FreePilotTraining Yeah you could give them a fake vr headset and walk them onto a real boat and tell them they are in vr. Just have a piece of glass on the front and they would call it the worst game ever. There are exceptions of course, but very few in my experience. Not saying they are not fun to be around, just egos are huge in the boat world.

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂